Phil Wall and Wendy Groves got the visiting team off to the start they wanted with a win at 1st mixed over Derek Warnock and Emma Stanton. St Cuthberts further extended their lead by taking both 2nd and 3rd mixed doubles but Stuart Belcher and Carly Henderson got the home team back on track with a 21-12, 22-20 win at 4th mixed.

With a 3-1 lead at the halfway stage you would have expected St Cuthberts to be the favourites for a victory but Southsands had other ideas.

Southsands Emma Stanton and Dorette Clark quickly followed suit by beating Wendy Groves and Sue Davies at 1st womens doubles 21-9, 21-18 putting the home team back on level terms at 3 events all with 2 events still to play.

The pressure was put on the visitors at 2nd womens when Kate Stanton and Carly Henderson overpowered Helen Groves and Janet Jack 23-21, 21-10.

All hinged on the final event of the evening 2nd mens. Paul Lewis and Tom Moorcroft salvaged a draw for St Cuthberts by beating Tom Rigby and Stuart Belcher 21-18, 21-10.

However, Southsands 6 took the extra league point by virtue of the winning draw.

The Southport League is well represented at the Yonex All England Championships taking place in Birmingham this week although not by players.

The league website has regular updates of match results and league tables which can be found on www.southportbadminton.co.uk.

Please remember this is your column and if you have any suggestions and views regarding the Southport League, would like any information about your club or what you would like to be included in this column, you are able to contact me via simon@simondart.co.uk or Tel 07790348466.